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Giant Weymouth Sandcastle Taken Down

The giant sandcastle built in Weymouth to mark 100 days until the Olympics has been taken down already over of safety fears.

It took four days to build and cost the London Games Organising Committee £5,000.

They tell us though they were only going to keep it there for a short time so they could take photos.

Weymouth & Portland Council has released a statement:

"Weymouth & Portland Borough Council working in partnership with LOCOG organised the building of a giant 4m x 2m sandcastle on Weymouth Beach to mark 100 days to go to the London 2012 Games on 18th April.

"The aim was to promote the opening of the Games and the sailing events in Weymouth & Portland by providing an iconic photo image made available to media all over the world. In order to allow time for the media to plan their editorial coverage, the sandcastle which took 4 days to build, was built ahead of the 100 days to go date.

"As a safety precaution the sandcastle was dismantled immediately after the photo shoot.

"Images of the sandcastle have generated media interest across the globe and have helped to secure significant coverage for Weymouth & Portland and Dorset, showcasing the Jurassic coast, the historic Georgian esplanade and the golden sands of Weymouth beach.

"This extensive coverage , linked to the London 2012 Games, helps to promote Weymouth & Portland and Dorset around the world in print media, online and on TV. Paid for by LOCOG, the image has secured tourism coverage valued way in excess of the cost of building the sandcastle and staging the photo shoot."